Biological information measurement system

Abstract

To appropriately estimate information about a user's health.SOLUTION: A biological information measurement system measures biological information of a user in a toilet room on the basis of information of excretion discharged into a bowl of a closet bowl installed in the toilet room, and includes: a first detection part detecting feces; a second detection part detecting evacuation gas; and a control part which performs estimation processing to estimate at least one of provision information or score about the user's health on the basis of a detection result of the first detection part and a detection result of the second detection part, and executes control to output a result of the estimation processing outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a biological information measuring system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies have been provided for sensing various types of information in toilets. For example, a toilet device that senses the properties of stool is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). It is believed that information related to intestinal peristalsis can be estimated from such stool properties. Also, for example, a toilet device that senses defecation gas is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). It is believed that information related to the intestinal environment can be estimated from such defecation gas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7107338 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4385402 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology. For example, although it is possible to estimate information about intestinal peristalsis from the properties of stool, it is difficult to estimate health information that takes into account the intestinal environment. Also, although it is possible to estimate information about the intestinal environment from fecal gas, it is difficult to estimate health information that takes into account the intestinal peristalsis. In this way, with estimation using only one element as in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to estimate information based on multiple elements, and it may be difficult to appropriately estimate information about the user's health. Therefore, it is desired to appropriately estimate information about the user's health.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a biological information measuring system that can appropriately estimate information relating to a user's health. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A bio-information measuring system according to one aspect of the embodiment is a bio-information measuring system that measures the bio-information of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, and is characterized in that it comprises a first detection unit that detects feces, a second detection unit that detects fecal gas, and a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or scores related to the health of the user based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit, and executes control to output the results of the estimation process to the outside.

[0007] The health state of the intestine is determined by the peristaltic movement of the outer wall of the intestine, which is mainly affected by stress, sleep, infections, etc., and the intestinal environment inside the intestine, which is mainly affected by diet. In addition, one indicator of peristaltic movement is stool information (feces properties), and one indicator of the intestinal environment is defecation gas information (amount or concentration of defecation gas). Therefore, according to a biological information measuring system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by outputting the provided information and score related to the user's health based on the stool information related to the peristaltic movement of the user and the defecation gas information related to the intestinal environment of the user, the provided information and score related to the user's health that take into account the state of the outer wall of the intestine and the state of the inner intestine can be output, and therefore the user's health support can be provided more accurately.

[0008] Research by the inventors has revealed that the health condition of the entire intestine is determined by the peristaltic movement of the outer wall of the intestine, which is mainly affected by stress, sleep, infections, etc., and the intestinal environment inside the intestine, which is mainly affected by diet. Conventionally, with only one of a toilet device that estimates only peristaltic movement and a toilet device that estimates the intestinal environment, only one of information related to peristaltic movement or information related to the intestinal environment can be obtained, and the health condition of the entire intestine cannot be accurately understood. In addition, from only one piece of information, it is not possible to know which of the life elements such as stress, sleep, and diet is the most problematic and what kind of improvement is required. In addition, it is difficult to solve the above problems even by observing the shape of excrement with the eyes (visual observation) (fecal observation) to estimate the health condition of the intestine. Therefore, according to a biological information measuring system according to one aspect of the embodiment, information related to the user's health can be appropriately estimated by estimating information related to the user's health based on the detection results of both stool and fecal gas.

[0009] In one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit of the bio-information measuring system is characterized in that it estimates first bio-information based on the characteristics of the stool from the detection result of the first detection unit, estimates second bio-information based on the amount or concentration of the fecal gas from the detection result of the second detection unit, and executes control to output the first bio-information and the second bio-information to the outside.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the bioinformation measuring system displays the characteristics of the stool, which is an indicator of peristalsis, and the amount or concentration of fecal gas, which is an indicator of the intestinal environment, allowing the user to better understand the cause of their illness and how to improve their lifestyle, thereby enabling more accurate health support to be provided to the user.

[0011] In one aspect of an embodiment, the control unit of the bioinformation measuring system is characterized in that it performs the estimation process using a greater number of samples of the detection results of the second detection unit than the number of samples of the detection results of the first detection unit.

[0012] Peristalsis is subject to sudden changes due to the influence of daily lifestyle habits, while the intestinal environment changes slowly without being significantly influenced by recent lifestyle habits. Therefore, according to a bioinformation measuring system according to one aspect of the embodiment, data on the amount or concentration of fecal gas related to the intestinal environment is sampled more than data on the properties of stool related to peristalsis to estimate information on the user's health, thereby making it possible to more accurately estimate peristalsis and intestinal environment. Therefore, the bioinformation measuring system can appropriately estimate information on the user's health.

[0013] In one aspect of an embodiment, the bioinformation measuring system is characterized in that the estimation process uses the detection result of the first detection unit obtained from a single toilet use and multiple detection results of the second detection unit obtained from multiple toilet use respectively.

[0014] The properties of stool change significantly due to sudden stress, etc., and may change if defecation occurs multiple times in a day. On the other hand, the intestinal environment changes slowly over a week or more, and changes over about 2 to 3 days are data variations caused by diet, etc. Therefore, according to the bioinformation measuring system according to one aspect of the embodiment, data on stool properties related to peristalsis is obtained from one excretion data, and data on the amount or concentration of defecation gas related to the intestinal environment is obtained from multiple excretion data, so that comprehensive health-related information and scores can be appropriately provided to the user. Therefore, the bioinformation measuring system can appropriately estimate information on the user's health.

[0015] In one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit executes the estimation process to estimate the score higher the higher the first evaluation corresponding to each classification of the stool characteristics based on the detection result of the first detection unit, and to estimate the score higher the higher the second evaluation of the stool gas based on the detection result of the second detection unit.

[0016] The properties of stool are evaluated differently depending on the classification. For example, a general index (Bristol scale) that indicates the properties of stool is said to be in a good state when it is in a banana shape located in the center, and in a worse state toward both ends. On the other hand, it can be said that the higher the score of the defecation gas that represents the intestinal environment, the more desirable the state. Therefore, according to the bioinformation measurement system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when determining the state of the intestines, the better the evaluation of the classification of the properties of the stool is, the better the state of the intestines is estimated to be, and the higher the score of the defecation gas that represents the intestinal environment is, the better the state of the intestines is estimated to be, so that the intestinal state can be appropriately estimated as a total score, and the user can be correctly informed of the state of the intestines. Therefore, the bioinformation measurement system can appropriately estimate information about the health of the user.

[0017] A bio-information measuring system according to one aspect of an embodiment is a bio-information measuring system that measures the bio-information of a user of a toilet room based on information about excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, and is characterized in that it comprises a first detection unit that detects information about intestinal peristalsis, a second detection unit that detects information about the intestinal environment, and a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or scores related to the health of the user based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit, and executes control to output the results of the estimation process to the outside.

[0018] The health state of the intestine is mainly determined by the peristaltic movement of the outer wall of the intestine, which is mainly affected by stress, sleep, infection, etc., and the intestinal environment inside the intestine, which is mainly affected by diet. Therefore, according to the bioinformation measuring system of one aspect of the embodiment, by outputting the provided information and score related to the user's health based on the information of the user's peristaltic movement and the information of the user's intestinal environment, the provided information and score related to the user's health that takes into account the state of the outer wall of the intestine and the state of the inside of the intestine can be output, so that the user's health support can be implemented more accurately. Thus, according to the bioinformation measuring system of one aspect of the embodiment, the information related to the user's health can be estimated appropriately by estimating the information related to the user's health based on the detection of both the peristaltic movement and the intestinal environment.

[0019] A bio-information measuring system according to one aspect of the embodiment is a bio-information measuring system that measures the bio-information of a user of a toilet room based on information about excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, and is characterized in that it comprises a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or scores related to the health of the user based on a detection result by a first detection unit that detects feces and a detection result by a second detection unit that detects fecal gas, and executes control to output the result of the estimation process to the outside.

[0020] The health state of the intestine is composed of the peristaltic movement of the outer wall of the intestine, which is mainly influenced by stress, sleep, infection, etc., and the intestinal environment inside the intestine, which is mainly influenced by diet. In addition, the peristaltic movement depends on the information of stool, and the intestinal environment inside the intestine depends on the information of defecation gas. Therefore, according to the bioinformation measuring system of one aspect of the embodiment, the provided information and score related to the user's health can be output based on the information of stool related to the peristaltic movement of the user and the information of defecation gas related to the intestinal environment of the user, so that the provided information and score related to the user's health taking into account the state of the outer wall of the intestine and the state of the inside of the intestine can be output, and the user's health support can be implemented more accurately. In this way, according to the bioinformation measuring system of one aspect of the embodiment, the information related to the user's health can be estimated based on the detection of both stool and defecation gas, thereby making it possible to appropriately estimate the information related to the user's health.

[0021] A bio-information measuring system according to one aspect of an embodiment is a bio-information measuring system that measures the bio-information of a user of a toilet room based on information about excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, and is characterized in that it comprises a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or scores related to the health of the user based on a detection result by a first detection unit that detects information related to intestinal peristalsis and a detection result by a second detection unit that detects information related to the intestinal environment, and executes control to output the result of the estimation process to the outside.

[0022] The health state of the intestine is composed of the peristaltic movement of the outer wall of the intestine, which is mainly influenced by stress, sleep, infection, etc., and the intestinal environment inside the intestine, which is mainly influenced by diet. In addition, the peristaltic movement depends on the information of stool, and the intestinal environment inside the intestine depends on the information of defecation gas. Therefore, according to the bioinformation measuring system of one aspect of the embodiment, the provided information and score related to the user's health can be output based on the information of stool related to the peristaltic movement of the user and the information of defecation gas related to the intestinal environment of the user, so that the provided information and score related to the user's health taking into account the state of the outer wall of the intestine and the state of the inside of the intestine can be output, and the user's health support can be implemented more accurately. In this way, according to the bioinformation measuring system of one aspect of the embodiment, the information related to the user's health can be estimated based on the detection of both stool and defecation gas, thereby making it possible to appropriately estimate the information related to the user's health. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment, information regarding the health of a user can be appropriately estimated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet room according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of the biological information measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a biological information measuring system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process executed by the biological information measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a gas sensor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second evaluation based on a plurality of data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an estimation of the first evaluation according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an estimation of the second evaluation according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of estimation of provided information according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used for estimating a score according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used to estimate provided information according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used to estimate provided information according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provided by the biological information measuring system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provided by the biological information measuring system. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provided by the biological information measuring system. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of information according to an estimation result. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of information according to an estimation result. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of information relating to a user's intestinal activity. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of recommendation information for a user. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of recommendation information for a user. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of information of other users provided to a user. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display form of information provided to a user. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of recommendation information for a user. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of information of other users provided to a user. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of information on users having a relationship with the user. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of rank information regarding users. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of information notification to a user. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of information notification according to the usage status of a user. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of information notification according to the usage status of the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a biological information measuring system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0026] <1. Embodiment> In the biological information measuring system according to each embodiment described below, information about the user's health estimated based on the detection result of the first detector 21, which is a detector for detecting stool, and the detection result of the second detector 22, which is a detector for detecting defecation gas, is managed. In the following example, an imaging device having a line sensor and generating an image is described as an example of the first detector 21, and a gas detection device having a semiconductor gas sensor is described as an example of the second detector 22. Note that the first detector 21 and the second detector 22 can adopt any configuration as long as they can obtain (detect) the desired information, which will be described later. Note that the defecation gas referred to here is gas that comes out of the intestines, and includes, for example, gas that comes out at the same time as defecation and gas that is not discharged at the same time as defecation.

[0027] Below, we will explain the toilet room R, where image and gas information are collected, and an overview of the vital information measuring system 1, and then explain the various processes performed by the vital information measuring system 1 and the configuration for performing those processes.

[0028] <1-1. Example of toilet room configuration> First, the configuration of a biological information measuring system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a biological information measuring system according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 shows a toilet seat 5 and a toilet lid 9 in a see-through state in order to show the configurations of a measuring device 4 and a first detector 21.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, in a toilet room R, a toilet 7 is installed on a floor surface F. In the following, the direction facing the space of the toilet room R from the floor surface F may be described as "up." In the toilet room R, components of a vital information measuring system 1, such as a suction device 10, a measuring device 4 that detects gas including a second detector 22 that is a gas detection device, and a first detector 21, are arranged.

[0030] The toilet bowl 7 is a toilet bowl, and has a bowl portion 8 formed therein. The bowl portion 8 has a downwardly concave shape, and is the portion that receives the user's excrement. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type, such as a wall-mounted type, as long as the vital information measurement system 1 is applicable. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim portion around the entire periphery of the edge of the opening facing the bowl portion 8. In the toilet room R, for example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet bowl 7, or a so-called tankless type in which no flush water tank is installed may be used.

[0031] For example, when a user operates a flushing operation unit (not shown) for flushing provided in the toilet room R, a toilet flush is performed by supplying flush water to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever, or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the operation device 30. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to one that causes the toilet flush to be performed manually by the user, such as an operation lever, but may also be one that causes the toilet flush to be performed by human body detection by a sensor that detects the user, such as a seating sensor.

[0032] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 7, and includes a main body 3, a measuring device 4, a toilet seat 5, a cleaning nozzle 6, and a first detector 21. The measuring device 4 and the first detector 21 may be provided as separate devices from the toilet seat device 2, but this will be described later. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7, which is formed with a bowl portion 8 that receives excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the cleaning nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying cleaning water. The toilet seat device 2 may be attached detachably to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7.

[0033] The toilet seat device 2, by using the measuring device 4 and other components, measures the biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the feces gas discharged into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R. The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 and a second detection unit 22. The toilet seat device 2, by using the first detection unit 21 and other components, measures the biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the feces discharged into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R. The measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape and is disposed along the edge (rim portion) of the bowl portion 8 in a position overlapping the opening of the toilet bowl 7. A user sits on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. In addition, a toilet lid 9 is attached to the toilet seat apparatus 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat apparatus 2 does not necessarily have to have a toilet lid 9.

[0035] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spraying water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward with respect to the housing of the main body 3 by being driven by a driving source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 5). The cleaning nozzle 6 is also connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). When the cleaning nozzle 6 is in an advanced position (also referred to as the "advanced position") with respect to the housing of the main body 3 as shown in FIG. 1, it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to clean the private parts.

[0036] 1 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used to clean the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used switchably between a private parts cleaning mode for cleaning the private parts of the user and a toilet bowl cleaning mode for spraying water inside the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used switchably between the private parts cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode according to the control by the toilet seat device 2.

[0037] The operating device 30 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 30 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 30 is provided in a position where it can be operated when the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. In FIG. 1, the operating device 30 is provided on a wall surface W on the left side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 30 may be provided in various ways, not limited to on a wall surface, as long as it is usable by a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 30 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0038] The operating device 30 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 30 may be connected in any manner as long as they are able to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0039] The operation device 30 accepts various operations from a user via a display surface (e.g., a display screen 31) using, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 30 may also include switches and buttons, and accept various operations via the switches and buttons. The display screen 31 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the operation device 30 accepts input from the user via the display screen 31, and also outputs to the user. The display screen 31 is a display device for displaying various information.

[0040] The operation device 30 accepts user operations for controlling various functions provided in the toilet room R. The operation device 30 accepts user operations for controlling the execution of local cleansing by the toilet seat device 2. For example, the operation device 30 may have switches, buttons, etc. for accepting the above-mentioned user operations, and execute various processes in response to the user's touching the switches, buttons, etc. Note that the above is an example, and the operation device 30 may accept operations by the user to execute various processes. In addition, a user terminal such as a user's smartphone (corresponding to the display device 300 in FIG. 3) may have functions equivalent to those of the operation device 30.

[0041] The vital information measurement system 1 measures the vital information of a user of the toilet room R based on the stool and defecation gas discharged into a bowl portion 8 of a toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R, using various configurations and processes described below. The vital information measurement system 1 executes control to appropriately measure the stool and defecation gas. The vital information measurement system 1 provides information to a user terminal (corresponding to the display device 300 in FIG. 3) such as a smartphone of the user based on information collected by measurement, etc. The vital information measurement system 1 may also provide information to an operation device 30 (or a display screen 31) of the toilet room R based on information collected by measurement, etc.

[0042] <1-2. Configuration of the measuring device> Next, the configuration of the measuring device 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a measuring device according to an embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21 are arranged inside the main body 3 as an example. Fig. 2 illustrates the configuration of the measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21 by removing the housing (cover) of the main body 3 where the measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21 are arranged.

[0043] The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 that sucks in gas within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7, and a second detection unit 22 that detects the components of the sucked gas.

[0044] The suction device 10 has a fan for sucking in gas within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7. A duct 11 that communicates with the inside of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7 is connected to the suction device 10. The duct 11 functions as a flow path that allows the gas within the bowl portion 8 to flow into the measuring device 4. The suction device 10 drives the fan to suck in the gas within the bowl portion 8 using the duct 11 as a flow path. For example, the suction device 10 executes processes related to suction under the control of the control device 100. Note that when the suction device 10 is used in common with a deodorizing device or the like incorporated in the toilet seat device 2, the suction device 10 may be controlled by a control means (device) other than the control device 100.

[0045] The second detection unit 22 detects fecal gas. The second detection unit 22 detects information on the intestinal environment. The second detection unit 22 executes a process for detecting the components of the gas sucked by the suction device 10. In FIG. 2, the second detection unit 22 is disposed at the rear stage of the suction device 10 as viewed from the bowl portion 8 side. Note that FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the second detection unit 22 may be disposed at any position as long as the gas sucked by the suction device 10 can be introduced. The second detection unit 22 is connected to a duct 12 that communicates with the outside of the main body portion 3. The duct 12 functions as a flow path that causes the gas in the second detection unit 22 to flow out of the measurement device 4. For example, in response to the drive of the suction device 10, the gas in the second detection unit 22 is discharged to the outside of the measurement device 4 through the duct 12 as a flow path.

[0046] For example, the second detection unit 22 executes a process related to gas detection under the control of the control device 100. The second detection unit 22 includes a gas sensor 40 that reacts to gas contained in the air. The gas sensor 40 detects a specific component of the gas. For example, a semiconductor gas sensor is used as the gas sensor 40. Note that the above is only an example, and the gas sensor is not limited to the semiconductor gas sensor 40, and multiple types of sensors of any mode may be used. Note that the gas sensor 40 may be used as a single unit combining sensors of multiple principles, such as a semiconductor type + infrared absorption type. For example, the gas sensor 40 detects fecal gas, which indicates the intestinal environment of the user, and this point will be described later.

[0047] The first detection unit 21 detects feces. The first detection unit 21 detects information related to the peristaltic movement of the intestines. The first detection unit 21 detects feces (defecation) excreted by the user by capturing an image of the inside of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The first detection unit 21 is an image sensor. The first detection unit 21 has a light receiving unit 50. For example, the light receiving element is a line sensor in which a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is arranged in a line. Note that the light receiving element is not limited to a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor), and various sensors such as an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) may be used. Note that the first detection unit 21 may have a configuration that emits light of a predetermined wavelength (such as the light emitting element 51 in FIG. 7), but this point will be described later.

[0048] In FIG. 2, light receiving unit 50 of first detection unit 21 is positioned to receive light from area AD1 in bowl portion 8 of toilet bowl 7. For example, light receiving unit 50 is positioned to receive reflected light from stool falling inside bowl portion 8 of toilet bowl 7. Image capturing of falling stool by first detection unit 21 will be described in FIG. 7. Note that light receiving unit 50 of first detection unit 21 may detect stool in any state, such as stool after it has hit water, not limited to when it is falling, as long as it is possible to obtain information necessary for estimating (determining) the properties of the stool.

[0049] For example, the light receiving unit 50 may detect the stool after it has fallen. In this case, the light receiving unit 50 may be arranged to capture an image of the water sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 (for example, the portion of the bowl portion 8 where the water sealing portion collects). The light receiving unit 50 may be an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor). In this way, the first detection unit 21 may be arranged in any location and any image sensor may be used as long as it is capable of detecting stool excreted in the toilet bowl 7 and the desired information can be estimated.

[0050] <1-3. Example of an overview of a biological information measurement system> Next, an example of an overall overview of the biological information measuring system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an overall overview of the biological information measuring system according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the biological information measuring system according to an embodiment. Note that Figs. 3 and 4 only show a part of the configuration of the biological information measuring system 1 that is necessary for the explanation, and explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] 4, the biological information measuring system 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 having components such as a first detection unit 21, a second detection unit 22, and a control device 100, a display device 300, and a server device 400. The biological information measuring system 1 may include a plurality of toilet seat devices 2, a plurality of display devices 300, and a plurality of server devices 400.

[0052] The toilet seat device 2 is a device disposed in the toilet room R. The toilet seat device 2 communicates with other devices such as the display device 300 and the server device 400. The toilet seat device 2 may perform a process (personal identification) for acquiring information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to perform excretion. The toilet seat device 2 collects information on each of a plurality of users, such as a family, by personal identification. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 to perform excretion by communicating with the display device 300 owned by the user or by the user's operation on the operation device 30, and performs personal identification of the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 communicates with the display device 300 owned by the user and receives a user ID (also simply referred to as "ID"), which is user identification information for identifying the user, from the display device 300. The toilet seat device 2 may identify a user by any method as long as it is possible to identify a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the first detection unit 21 has a light receiving unit 50 and detects stool. The second detection unit 22 has a gas sensor 40 and detects defecation gas. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes a process (also called an "estimation process") of estimating information about the health of the user based on the detection results of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, and controls the output of the result of the estimation process to the outside. The control device 100 estimates the provided information or score (hereinafter also called an "intestine score") about the health of the user through the estimation process, which will be described later.

[0054] The control device 100 also communicates with a device that displays information to a user, such as the display device 300, by using a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or infrared. The control device 100 may be able to communicate with the display device 300 without going through the network N. Note that the control device 100 may be connected to devices such as the display device 300 in any manner as long as it is possible to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined network (such as the network N) such as the Internet.

[0055] 4 shows a case where the toilet seat device 2 has the first detection unit 21, the second detection unit 22, and the control device 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the control device 100 may be provided separately from the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, and may control the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 by communicating with the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 wirelessly or via a wire, and acquire each piece of information.

[0056] The control device 100 may also be a device located outside the toilet room R. In this case, the control device 100 may be communicably connected to devices located in the toilet room R, such as the toilet seat device 2, the first detection unit 21, the second detection unit 22, etc., via a predetermined network (such as the network N) such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly, and may be capable of acquiring desired information.

[0057] Furthermore, the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 may be controlled by a control unit other than the control unit 100. In this case, the control unit 100 is a first control unit that executes various information processing such as estimation processing, and the biological information measurement system 1 may have a second control unit that is a device other than the control unit 100 as a device that controls the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 may have the control unit 100 that is a first control unit that executes various information processing such as estimation processing using information from the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, and a detection unit control unit that is a second control unit that controls the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22.

[0058] For example, the first control device and the second control device may be connected to each other via a predetermined network (such as network N) such as the Internet in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the first control device may execute the estimation process using the detection result of the first detection unit 21 and the detection result information of the second detection unit 22 received from the second control device. For example, the first control device may be a mobile terminal (device) such as a smartphone or a laptop computer that can be carried by an administrator of the biological information measurement system 1 or the like.

[0059] The display device 300 is a display device (computer) that displays information to be provided to a user. For example, the display device 300 may be a user terminal (mobile terminal) owned by a user. In this case, the display device 300 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like. For example, the display device 300 is connected to devices included in the biological information measurement system 1, such as the control device 100, via a predetermined network (such as network N) in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0060] The display device 300 transmits and receives information to and from the control device 100. The display device 300 receives information to be provided to the user from the control device 100. The display device 300 receives information relating to the user's health estimated by the estimation process of the control device 100. The display device 300 receives provided information or a score (intestine score) relating to the user's health as information relating to the user's health. The display device 300 displays the information relating to the user's health received from the control device 100. Examples of information displayed by the display device 300 will be described later.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 400 is a computer such as a cloud server. The server device 400 is connected to devices such as the display device 300 via a predetermined network (network N, etc.) such as the Internet in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with them. The server device 400 may be connected to devices such as the display device 300 in any manner as long as it is possible to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to the devices such as the display device 300 in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with them. The server device 400 may also be connected to the control device 100, etc. in a communicable manner, receive raw data from measurements, process the data, and transmit the results to the display device 300.

[0062] The server device 400 stores the information collected from the display device 300 in the storage unit. The server device 400 collects information on the health of each user for each user and stores the information in the storage unit. For example, the server device 400 stores the information on the health of each user in the storage unit in association with information (such as an ID) that identifies the user.

[0063] <1-3-1. Other configuration examples of biological information measurement system> Note that the above is merely an example, and any device configuration that can realize the desired processing can be adopted for the biological information measuring system 1. In this regard, several examples of system configurations other than those described above will be described below.

[0064] Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 does not have to have at least one of the first detector that detects stool and the second detector that detects defecation gas. In this case, the control device 100 receives information from a detector that is not included in the biological information measuring system 1, and executes various information processes such as estimation processes using the received information. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 does not have to have at least one of the measuring device 4 and the first detector 21.

[0065] For example, if the vital information measuring system 1 does not have the measuring device 4, the control device 100 of the vital information measuring system 1 is communicatively connected to the measuring device 4 via wired or wireless communication, and receives information about defecation gas detected by the second detection unit 22 from the measuring device 4. In this case, the control device 100 of the vital information measuring system 1 performs the estimation process using the information about defecation gas received from the measuring device 4 that is not included in the vital information measuring system 1.

[0066] For example, if the biological information measuring system 1 does not have the first detection unit 21, the control device 100 of the biological information measuring system 1 is communicatively connected to the first detection unit 21 via wired or wireless communication, and receives information about the stool detected by the first detection unit 21 from the first detection unit 21. In this case, the control device 100 of the biological information measuring system 1 executes the estimation process using the information about the fecal gas received from the first detection unit 21 that is not included in the biological information measuring system 1.

[0067] In addition, if the vital information measuring system 1 does not have both the measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21, the control device 100 of the vital information measuring system 1 performs an estimation process using information regarding defecation gas received from the measuring device 4 and information regarding stool received from the first detection unit 21.

[0068] Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 may only have a configuration for acquiring detected information and executing an estimation process using the acquired information. In this case, the biological information measuring system 1 may only have the control device 100, and the control device 100 may acquire (receive) desired information by communicating with another device, execute various information processes such as an estimation process using the acquired information, and transmit the desired information to the other device.

[0069] Furthermore, the display device 300 does not have to be included in the biological information measurement system 1, or may be included in the biological information measurement system 1. For example, when the display device 300 is an operation device 30 in the toilet room R, the display device 300 may be included in the biological information measurement system 1. In this case, the operation device 30 has a function of displaying information related to the health of the user.

[0070] Furthermore, the device configuration and arrangement of the server device 400 in the vital information measuring system 1 may be in any form as long as it can communicate with devices such as the display device 300 and perform processing. For example, when the server device 400 is configured on the cloud as shown in FIG. 3, it may be configured by multiple computers (servers). For example, the server device 400 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by an administrator of the vital information measuring system 1. Furthermore, the server device 400 may be arranged in the toilet room R.

[0071] <1-4. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human sensor 32, a seating sensor 33, an illuminance sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, and a washing nozzle 6.

[0072] The configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and when each component is provided separately, the toilet seat device 2 may have only the toilet seat 5. Thus, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may have any configuration. The human sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, the illuminance sensor 34, and the like may be disposed at any location as long as the desired sensing is possible. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 may have at least one of the human sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34 as long as it can detect the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat device 2 transmits and receives information to and from information processing devices such as the display device 300 and the server device 400 by a communication device (for example, the communication unit 110 of the control device 100 in FIG. 6) via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) in a wired or wireless manner.

[0073] The human sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human sensor 32 is used as a seating detection means for detecting a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the human sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (micro) wave sensor. For example, the human sensor 32 is an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor, and may detect a human body present near the toilet seat 5 immediately before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or a user sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0074] The human presence sensor 32 also functions as a seat leaving detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The human presence sensor 32 detects whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. The human presence sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control device 100. Note that the above is just an example, and the human presence sensor 32 may detect a human body by various means other than the above. For example, the human presence sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) approaching the toilet seat 5.

[0075] The seating sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. For example, the seating sensor 33 is used as a seating detection means for detecting a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the seating sensor 33 is realized by a load sensor or the like. The seating sensor 33 detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 33 is capable of detecting that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0076] The seating sensor 33 also functions as a seating detection sensor that detects a user leaving the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 33 detects the user's seated state on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just an example, and the seating sensor 33 may detect a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means other than the above. The seating sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control device 100.

[0077] The illuminance sensor 34 is a sensor that detects illuminance. For example, the illuminance sensor 34 is used as a seating detection means that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the illuminance sensor 34 is disposed at a position facing the bowl portion 8, and detects the illuminance inside the bowl portion 8.

[0078] The illuminance sensor 34 also functions as a seating detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The illuminance sensor 34 detects the user's seated state on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is merely an example, and the illuminance sensor 34 may be placed in any position as long as it is possible to detect when a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5 based on the illuminance.

[0079] The control device 100 controls various configurations and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes various information processes related to the detection (measurement) of stool and gas, etc. The control device 100 may be any device having a configuration required for control, and may be, for example, a microcomputer.

[0080] The control device 100 controls various components for detecting (measuring) stool. The control device 100 controls the first detection unit 21. The control device 100 transmits control information for controlling the function of the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 50 to the first detection unit 21. Note that the function of the shutter of the light receiving unit 50 is not limited to an electronic shutter, and any method such as a mechanical shutter can be adopted as long as the desired detection is possible. Furthermore, when the first detection unit 21 has a light emitting unit such as a light emitting element, the control device 100 may transmit control information to the first detection unit 21 for controlling the turning on and off of the light emitting unit.

[0081] For example, the control device 100 causes the first detection unit 21 to emit light and receive light. The control device 100 controls the first detection unit 21 to cause the light-emitting unit to emit light and the light-receiving unit 50 to receive light. The control device 100 causes the first detection unit 21 to emit light and receive light during a period in which the seating sensor 33 detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0082] The control device 100 controls various components for detecting (measuring) gas. The control device 100 controls the second detection unit 22. The control device 100 transmits control information to the second detection unit 22 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may transmit control information to the second detection unit 22 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2, the control device 100 may transmit control information of the second detection unit 22 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the second detection unit 22 based on the control information received.

[0083] For example, the control device 100 may control the second detection unit 22 so that the measurement value by the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and may execute reference value control to control the measurement value used as a reference value (baseline) to a predetermined value. The control device 100 may execute reference value control to control the reference value to a predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor 40.

[0084] The control device 100 may also control the suction device 10. For example, the control device 100 controls the start and stop of suction by the suction device 10. The control device 100 transmits control information to the suction device 10 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit the control information to the suction device 10 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2, the control device 100 may transmit the control information of the suction device 10 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the suction device 10 based on the control information received.

[0085] In addition to the above, the control device 100 may also control various components of the biological information measuring system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, etc. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, etc. based on a signal transmitted from the operation device 30.

[0086] The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the operation device 30. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retreat the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 may control various mechanisms other than the nozzle motor 61. For example, the control device 100 controls the opening and closing of a solenoid valve that functions as a valve that electromagnetically controls the flow of a fluid. For example, the control device 100 controls the solenoid valve to switch between supplying and stopping tap water from a water supply pipe, for example.

[0087] The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61 etc. via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61 etc. wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit control information for the nozzle motor 61 etc. to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the nozzle motor 61 etc. based on the control information received.

[0088] The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6 relative to the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6 in response to an instruction from the control device 100.

[0089] The control device 100 may also control a toilet lid 9 and a toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the control device 100 controls the toilet lid 9 and the toilet seat 5 based on a signal transmitted from the operation device 30. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 9 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from the operation device 30 regarding opening and closing of the toilet lid. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from the operation device 30 regarding opening and closing of the seat. The control device 100 transmits control information to the toilet lid 9 and the toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the toilet lid 9 and the toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0090] The control device 100 determines whether or not a user is seated by seat detection means such as the human sensor 32, the seat sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34. For example, the control device 100 determines whether or not a user is seated by detection by the seat sensor 33.

[0091] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes the control device 100 and the like as an example, but the control device 100, the human sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, the illuminance sensor 34, and the like may be configured as devices separate from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device and may be located at a position separated from the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 communicates with each device such as the toilet seat device 2, the human sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34, and receives various information from each device. In addition, in this case, the toilet seat device 2 may have a configuration (such as a control circuit) for controlling various components of the toilet seat device 2, such as the nozzle motor 61. Note that the above is merely an example, and the biological information measurement system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as it is capable of performing the desired processing.

[0092] <1-5. Functional configuration of the control device> Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the control device will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Note that the configuration of the control device 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and may be other configurations as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the control device 100 does not need to have the communication unit 110.

[0093] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the operation device 30. The communication unit 110 may be configured as a device (communication device) separate from the control device 100, and may be included in the toilet seat device 2.

[0094] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs.

[0095] The storage unit 120 according to the embodiment stores various information necessary for processing. The storage unit 120 stores various information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. The storage unit 120 stores various information used in various information processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information related to reference value control such as target values.

[0096] The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the estimation process related to stool, such as the properties of stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores a threshold value used in the estimation process related to stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various models (also called "estimation models") used in estimation related to the properties of stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various estimation models used to estimate the shape, color, amount, etc. of stool. Note that the above is merely an example, and the memory unit 120 stores various information related to the detection of stool.

[0097] The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the estimation process related to gas, such as the amount or concentration of gas. For example, the memory unit 120 stores a threshold value used in the estimation process related to gas. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various functions (also called "gas estimation functions") used to estimate (calculate) the amount or concentration of gas. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various gas estimation functions used to estimate the amount or concentration of gas of a specified component. For example, the memory unit 120 stores a function (also called "evaluation estimation function") that calculates (estimates) the evaluation of defecation gas from the amount or concentration of gas of a specified component. Note that the above is merely an example, and the memory unit 120 stores various information related to gas detection.

[0098] Returning to Fig. 6, the description will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or the like executing a program (for example, various information processing programs related to the present disclosure) stored inside the control device 100 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 may also be realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0099] 6, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a processing unit 132, and an output unit 133, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0100] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by various sensors from various sensors.

[0101] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information (detection information, etc.) detected by the seating detection means from the seating detection means. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by at least one of the human sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34 from the sensor.

[0102] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection result by the first detection unit 21 that detects stool. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection result by the first detection unit 21 that detects information related to intestinal peristalsis. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection result by the second detection unit 22 that detects defecation gas. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection result by the second detection unit 22 that detects information related to the intestinal environment.

[0103] The acquisition unit 131 receives information based on detection by the first detection unit 21 from the first detection unit 21. The acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating the detection result related to stool detected by the first detection unit 21. In addition, the acquisition unit 131 receives information based on detection by the second detection unit 22 from the second detection unit 22. The acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating the detection result related to defecation gas detected by the second detection unit 22.

[0104] The processing unit 132 performs various types of processing. The processing unit 132 performs various types of processing using the information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 performs estimation processing. The processing unit 132 performs estimation processing using the various types of information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0105] The processing unit 132 executes an estimation process for estimating at least one of the provided information or the score related to the health of the user based on the detection result of the first detection unit 21 and the detection result of the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 executes control for outputting the result of the estimation process to the outside. The processing unit 132 executes control for outputting the result of the estimation process to the output unit 133 by instructing the output unit 133.

[0106] The processing unit 132 estimates first biological information based on the properties of the stool from the detection result of the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates second biological information based on the amount or concentration of fecal gas from the detection result of the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 executes control to output the first biological information and the second biological information.

[0107] The processing unit 132 executes the estimation process using a larger number of samples of the detection results from the second detection unit 22 than the number of samples of the detection results from the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates the first biological information using the detection results from the first detection unit 21, which are data obtained from one toilet use. The processing unit 132 estimates the second biological information using the detection results from the second detection unit 22, which are data obtained from multiple toilet use.

[0108] The processing unit 132 estimates a higher score as the first evaluation corresponding to each classification of stool properties based on the detection result of the first detection unit 21 is higher. The processing unit 132 estimates a higher score as the second evaluation based on the detection result of the second detection unit 22 is higher.

[0109] Processing unit 132 performs an estimation process using information detected by first detection unit 21. Processing unit 132 performs an estimation process using an image captured by first detection unit 21. Processing unit 132 estimates (determines) whether or not feces is included in the image captured by first detection unit 21. Processing unit 132 estimates whether or not feces is included in the image using a technique related to image recognition.

[0110] For example, the processing unit 132 estimates whether or not feces is included in an image using a model (feces estimation model) that receives an image as input and outputs information (score) indicating whether or not feces is included in the input image. In this case, the processing unit 132 compares the score output by the feces estimation model to which the image is input with a threshold (first threshold), and estimates that feces is included in the image if the score is equal to or greater than the first threshold. The processing unit 132 also compares the score output by the feces estimation model to which the image is input with the first threshold, and estimates that feces is not included in the image if the score is less than the first threshold. Note that the above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may estimate whether or not feces is included in an image by appropriately using various information.

[0111] The processing unit 132 estimates (classifies) the properties of the stool from the detection result by the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates the classification of the properties of the stool as the first biological information. The processing unit 132 classifies the properties of the stool corresponding to an image (also called a "stool image") containing stool captured by the first detection unit 21, based on the image. For example, the processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify the shape (also simply called "shape") of the stool corresponding to the stool image. For example, the processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image into multiple types (7 levels) based on the Bristol scale. In this case, the processing unit 132 performs classification such that the banana-shaped (normal stool), which is the middle paragraph (i.e., the fourth level) of the 7 levels, corresponds to the best state, and the further away from that, the worse the state.

[0112] The processing unit 132 uses a stool image to classify whether the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of a plurality of levels based on the shape. For example, the processing unit 132 uses a stool image to classify whether the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of the following: round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft (semi-paste-like), muddy, and watery. For example, the processing unit 132 may classify (determine) the shape of the stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as the length of the stool image in the falling direction and the number of stool pieces (lumps).

[0113] The processing unit 132 may classify the shape of the stool using a technique related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the shape of the stool using a learning model (shape estimation model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the shape estimation model is trained in advance using teacher data indicating a classification judgment. This teacher data includes a plurality of combinations of a stool image and a label (correct answer information) indicating the shape of the lump (stool) contained in the stool image (either round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, or watery). For example, the shape estimation model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the shape of the lump (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the shape estimation model is trained to output information of the label (shape of the stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The shape estimation model is trained by appropriately using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning.

[0114] In this case, the shape estimation model is stored in the storage unit 120, and the processing unit 132 may classify the shape of the stool using the shape estimation model stored in the storage unit 120. The control device 100 may perform a learning process to generate various estimation models, or the control device 100 may acquire various estimation models from an external device such as the server device 400. The above is only an example, and the processing unit 132 may classify the shape of the stool using various information as appropriate. The above seven stages of rolling, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, and watery are only examples of shapes, and the processing unit 132 may classify shapes other than those, or may classify into six stages or less. In addition, an example of classifying the shape of the stool into one of multiple levels has been shown here, but this is not limited thereto, and if multiple stool shapes are included in one excretion act, multiple stool shapes may be classified.

[0115] Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may estimate various information other than the shape of the stool. For example, the processing unit 132 may estimate (classify) the amount of stool based on the image captured by the first detection unit 21. For example, the processing unit 132 classifies the amount of stool based on the ratio of stool in the image. For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool using a score output by a stool estimation model. If the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "very small." The second threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the first threshold. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "small" if the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a second threshold and less than a third threshold. The third threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the second threshold.

[0116] Moreover, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "medium" when the score output by the stool estimation model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the third threshold and less than the fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the third threshold. Moreover, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "large" when the score output by the stool estimation model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold and less than the fifth threshold. The fifth threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the fourth threshold. Moreover, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "very large" when the score output by the stool estimation model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold. Note that the above five-level classification is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool using various information as appropriate. For example, the processing unit 132 may perform three-level classification using four thresholds.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 132 may use a stool image to estimate (classify) the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image. The processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of a plurality of levels based on color. For example, the processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown.

[0118] The processing unit 132 classifies the color of the stool based on the detection result by the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 appropriately uses various techniques related to classifying stool colors to classify the color of the stool as either yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark brown. For example, the processing unit 132 classifies (determines) the color of the stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as the brightness and lightness of a color image (RGB). For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the color of the stool using a learning model (color estimation model) generated by machine learning.

[0119] The processing unit 132 estimates an evaluation regarding peristaltic movement (also referred to as a "first evaluation") using the stool properties based on the detection by the first detection unit 21. Here, a case where the stool properties are classified into seven stages based on the Bristol scale will be described as an example.

[0120] The processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation highest when the stool property is banana-like (normal stool), which is the middle stage (i.e., the fourth stage) of the seven stages. Also, the processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation lower as the stool property moves away from the middle stage of the seven stages. The processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation low when the stool property is hard (hard stool), which is the lowest stage (i.e., the first stage) of the seven stages. Also, the processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation low when the stool property is watery (watery stool), which is the highest stage (i.e., the seventh stage) of the seven stages.

[0121] The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may estimate the first evaluation in any manner. For example, in the case of the Bristol scale, the center corresponds to the best state, and the extreme stages correspond to the worst state, but depending on the manner of classification, the lowest stage (classification) may correspond to the worst state, and the higher stages (classifications) may correspond to better states, and the highest stage (classification) may correspond to the worst state. In this case, the processing unit 132 may estimate the first evaluation to be the lowest when the stool property is the lowest stage (classification), and may estimate the first evaluation to be the highest when the stool property is the highest stage (classification). In this way, the processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation by a method corresponding to the manner of classification of the stool property.

[0122] Furthermore, the processing unit 132 performs an estimation process using the information detected by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 performs an estimation process using the information of the gas detected by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process. The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0123] The processing unit 132 calculates various pieces of information related to the gas. The processing unit 132 calculates values ​​based on the measured values ​​measured by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the gas sensor 40. For example, the processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element from the measured voltage value using a function that indicates the relationship between the voltage value and the resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element using formula (1).

[0124] The processing unit 132 calculates the amount or concentration of gas based on the calculated resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 estimates (calculates) the amount or concentration of gas from the calculated resistance value using a function (gas estimation function) indicating the relationship between the resistance value and the amount or concentration of gas. For example, the processing unit 132 may calculate the amount or concentration of gas associated with the intestinal environment from the amount of change from a baseline (e.g., a voltage value before measurement of fecal gas) of the sensor data detected by the second detection unit 22. In this case, the processing unit 132 may convert the amount or concentration of gas into a unique score (e.g., an intestinal environment score) and generate information indicating the change over time.

[0125] The processing unit 132 estimates an evaluation of the intestinal environment (also referred to as a "second evaluation") using the amount or concentration of gas based on detection by the second detection unit 22. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation based on the amount or concentration of defecation gas as second biological information. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the second biological information using an evaluation estimation function that receives the amount or concentration of gas based on detection by the second detection unit 22 as input and outputs an evaluation of defecation gas (second evaluation).

[0126] When a gas (also called a "healthy gas") is detectable, the amount or concentration of which indicates a high possibility of a good intestinal environment, is detected, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation using the amount or concentration of the healthy gas. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation higher as the amount or concentration of the healthy gas increases. The processing unit 132 estimates (calculates) the second evaluation using a gas estimation function that increases the value of the second evaluation as the amount or concentration of the healthy gas increases.

[0127] When the processing unit 132 can detect a gas (also called an "odor gas") whose amount or concentration indicates a high possibility of a poor intestinal environment, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation using the amount or concentration of the odor gas. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation lower as the amount or concentration of the odor gas increases. The processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation using a gas estimation function that reduces the value of the second evaluation as the amount or concentration of the odor gas increases.

[0128] The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may estimate the second evaluation in any manner. For example, the processing unit 132 may estimate the second evaluation based on the ratio between the amount or concentration of health gases and the amount or concentration of odorous gases in the user's defecation gas. The processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation higher based on the calculated ratio, the more the health gases are in the user's defecation gas compared to the odorous gases. The control device 100 estimates the second evaluation lower based on the calculated ratio, the more the odorous gases are in the user's defecation gas compared to the health gases. The above is merely an example, and the control device 100 may make any estimation based on the calculated score.

[0129] The processing unit 132 controls the configuration for performing various detections. For example, the processing unit 132 controls the first detection unit 21. Also, for example, the processing unit 132 controls the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 controls the second detection unit 22 so that the measurement value by the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and performs reference value control to control the measurement value used as the reference value to a predetermined value. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control to control the reference value to a predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor 40. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control every time a defecation gas measurement is completed. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control by processing to feed back the measurement value of the gas sensor 40.

[0130] The output unit 133 executes an output process to output various information. The output unit 133 functions as a transmission unit to transmit various information. The output unit 133 executes the output process by transmitting information to an external information processing device. The output unit 133 transmits information to an external information processing device. For example, the output unit 133 transmits various information to the display device 300. For example, the output unit 133 transmits various information to an administrator device such as a personal computer or smartphone used by an administrator. The output unit 133 may also execute the output process by transmitting information to the operation device 30 (or the display screen 31).

[0131] The output unit 133 transmits information indicating the processing result by the processing unit 132. The output unit 133 transmits various information used by the display device 300 for display to the display device 300. The output unit 133 outputs the result of the estimation process to the outside. The output unit 133 transmits the result of the estimation process to the outside via the communication unit 110. The output unit 133 controls the display device 300 to output the result of the estimation process by transmitting the result of the estimation process to the display device 300. For example, the output unit 133 transmits the result of the estimation process to the display device 300 and causes the display device 300 to display the result of the estimation process.

[0132] <1-6. Processing example> From here, a description will be given of various processing examples based on the configuration of the above-mentioned biological information measuring system 1. Note that a description of the same points as those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0133] <1-6-1. Processing Overview> First, an overall outline of the process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the process executed by the biological information measuring system according to the embodiment.

[0134] Below, an example of the detection of stool by the first detection unit 21 and the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 will be described, followed by an overview of the estimation process based on the detection. Note that the detection of stool by the first detection unit 21 and the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 are merely examples, and any detection mode can be adopted for the detection by the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 as long as the desired information can be detected.

[0135] <1-6-1-1. Feces detection> First, an example of feces detection by the first detection unit 21 will be described. Below, specific operations of a method of acquiring a feces image (data) by the first detection unit 21 will be described with reference to a first detection process MS1 in Fig. 7. The first detection process MS1 in Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method of acquiring data.

[0136] Each element shown in the first detection process MS1 in FIG. 7 will be described. Objects OB1 and OB2 are schematic images of falling feces (excrement) to be detected (measured). Specifically, object OB1 shown by a solid line is schematic of the position of the falling feces at a certain time (first time point), and object OB2 shown by a dotted line is schematic of the position of the falling feces at a time point (second time point) later than the first time point. That is, object OB1 and object OB2 in FIG. 7 indicate one piece of feces falling at different times, and object OB2 corresponds to the feces at a time later than object OB1. Hereinafter, when object OB1 and object OB2 are described without distinction, they will be referred to as object OB.

[0137] 7 shows a case where the first detection unit 21 has three light-emitting elements 51a, 51b, and 51c. For example, the light-emitting elements 51a, 51b, and 51c are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit light of different wavelengths. Hereinafter, when the light-emitting elements 51a, 51b, and 51c are described without distinction, they will be referred to as light-emitting element 51.

[0138] The first detection process MS1 in Fig. 7 conceptually illustrates a process in which light from the light-emitting element 51 is irradiated onto the falling object OB, and a stool image (two-dimensional image) is acquired (generated) based on the result of light reception by the light-receiving unit 50. The dotted line extending from the light-emitting element 51 to the object OB typically illustrates the irradiation of light from the light-emitting element 51 to the object OB, and the dotted line extending from the object OB to the light-receiving unit 50 typically illustrates the reflected light from the object OB received by the light-receiving unit 50. That is, the first detection process MS1 in Fig. 7 illustrates a case in which data (one-dimensional image) of the lower end of the object OB (the leading side in the falling direction) is detected in the detection of the object OB corresponding to the object OB1, and a case in which data (one-dimensional image) of the upper end of the object OB (the rear side in the falling direction) is detected in the detection of the object OB corresponding to the object OB2.

[0139] In the first detection process MS1 in Fig. 7, the first detection unit 21 generates feces information (two-dimensional image) by arranging in time series data (one-dimensional images) acquired over time for each wavelength emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 51a, 51b, and 51c. Note that various processes are possible for generating color images using light-emitting elements with different wavelengths and a line sensor, and detailed explanations will be omitted, but an example of the process will be briefly described.

[0140] The first detection unit 21 generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the first light-emitting element (light-emitting element 51a) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from the light-emitting element 51a, which is a first light-emitting element that emits light of a first wavelength. For example, the first detection unit 21 generates flight information (first two-dimensional image) corresponding to the first wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of a first wavelength such as 590 nm.

[0141] The first detection unit 21 also generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the second light-emitting element (light-emitting element 51b) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from the light-emitting element 51b, which is a second light-emitting element that emits light of the second wavelength. For example, the first detection unit 21 generates flight information (second two-dimensional image) corresponding to the second wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of the second wavelength, such as 670 nm.

[0142] The first detection unit 21 also generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the third light-emitting element (light-emitting element 51c) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from the light-emitting element 51c, which is a third light-emitting element that emits light of the third wavelength. For example, the first detection unit 21 generates flight information (third two-dimensional image) corresponding to the third wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of the third wavelength, such as 870 nm.

[0143] In this way, the first detection unit 21 can obtain a color image by generating two-dimensional images for each of the three wavelengths corresponding to the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element. For example, the first detection unit 21 may generate a color image by combining the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image described above. In addition, the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit 50, such as a line sensor, may be a color light-receiving element, and light-emitting elements of multiple colors may be emitted simultaneously, and the color of the reflected light may be detected by the light-receiving unit to generate a color image.

[0144] The first detection unit 21 may be a camera that captures an image and generates a two-dimensional image. For example, the first detection unit 21 may have, as the light receiving unit 50, an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) in which a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor is arranged in a planar (two-dimensional) shape.

[0145] <1-6-1-2. Detection of fecal gas> Next, an example of detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 will be described. Below, a specific operation of a method of acquiring gas information by the second detection unit 22 will be described with reference to the second detection process MS2 in Fig. 7. The second detection process MS2 in Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method of acquiring data. Explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0146] First, an example of the gas sensor 40 in the biological information measurement system 1 will be described. The second detection unit 22 has a gas sensor 40 that detects a gas indicative of the intestinal environment of the user. For example, the gas sensor 40 may be a gas sensor (also called an "odor gas sensor") that can detect a gas (odor gas) derived from intestinal putrefaction and indicative of poor health. For example, the odor gas is a gas generated by putrefaction caused by bad bacteria in the intestine. For example, the odor gas may be a gas that contains a sulfur component in fecal gas. Examples of odor gases include ammonia, trimethylamine, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, indole, and skatole.

[0147] Furthermore, the second detection unit 22 may have a plurality of gas sensors 40 including a gas sensor (also referred to as a "health gas sensor") capable of detecting gas (health gas) derived from intestinal fermentation and indicating high healthiness other than odorous gas. For example, the health gas is a gas produced by fermentation by beneficial bacteria in the intestine. For example, the health gas may be a gas derived from intestinal fermentation and increases as the intestinal healthiness increases. Examples of the health gas include hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, methane, ethanol, water, etc.

[0148] The second detection unit 22 may have a plurality of gas sensors 40. For example, the second detection unit 22 may be a hydrogen gas sensor, and may include a plurality of gas sensors 40 such as an odorous gas sensor and a methane gas sensor.

[0149] For example, the bio-information measuring system may detect (estimate) the amount or concentration of odorous gas by removing the influence of the amount or concentration of gas (health-related gas) detected by the health-related gas possessed by the second detection unit 22 from the amount or concentration of odorous gas detected by the second detection unit 22.

[0150] Next, a configuration example of a gas sensor will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas sensor. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration CR of a semiconductor gas sensor 40.

[0151] The gas sensor 40 includes a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement. In Fig. 8, the gas sensor 40 has a circuit configuration CR in which a sensor element (corresponding to the sensor resistor RS in Fig. 8) and a resistance element for measurement (corresponding to the resistance element RL in Fig. 8) are connected in series.

[0152] In the semiconductor gas sensor 40, a value related to the amount of gas is calculated using the following formula (1): Formula (1) corresponds to the circuit configuration CR shown in FIG. 8, and is the same as the function FC1 in FIG.

[0153] RS =((Vc-Vout) / Vout)×RL… (1)

[0154] "RS" in formula (1) represents the resistance value of the sensor element. For example, "RS" in formula (1) represents the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS, which is an example of a value calculated based on the measurement by the gas sensor 40. In this way, formula (1) is a formula for calculating the resistance value.

[0155] "RL" in equation (1) represents the resistance value of the resistive element RL. "Vc" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the circuit voltage Vc. "Vout" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the output voltage Vout at the resistive element. For example, "Vout" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the resistive element RL, which is an example of a measured value measured by the gas sensor 40.

[0156] The resistance value of the sensor resistor RS in formula (1) is an index related to the amount or concentration of defecation gas. The biological information measuring system 1 calculates an index (resistance value) related to the amount or concentration of defecation gas from the measured value (voltage value), and calculates the amount of gas from the calculated resistance value. Although a detailed explanation of the principles of semiconductor gas sensors will be omitted, for example, "RH" shown only in the circuit configuration CR in FIG. 8 corresponds to a heater (resistance) for heating the sensor element, and "V H " corresponds to the heater voltage. Note that the gas sensor in the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor sensor, and any sensor that satisfies the above formula (1) can be used.

[0157] The above is merely an example, and the second detection unit 22 may have a gas sensor of any type, not limited to the above. For example, the second detection unit 22 may have a gas sensor such as an infrared CO2 sensor (carbon dioxide concentration measuring device). The second detection unit 22 may have multiple types or multiple gas sensors of any type. For example, the second detection unit 22 may have an electrochemical gas sensor in addition to an infrared CO2 sensor.

[0158] <1-6-1-3. Estimation process> Hereinafter, an example of an estimation process based on the detection of stool by the first detection unit 21 and the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 will be described. The control device 100 executes the estimation process as shown below. Note that the same points as those described above will not be described as appropriate.

[0159] The control device 100 estimates the classification of the stool properties as first biological information based on the detection of the stool by the first detection unit 21. In Fig. 7, the control device 100 estimates that the detected stool is banana-shaped, in the middle section of the seven stages corresponding to the Bristol scale, as shown in the first biological information DT1 based on the stool detection information. For example, the first biological information DT1 is information (first information) related to peristalsis.

[0160] Then, the control device 100 uses the estimated stool properties to estimate a first evaluation regarding the peristaltic movement. Note that a processing example regarding this point will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0161] The control device 100 estimates the amount or concentration of gas used to estimate the second evaluation based on the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22. In Fig. 7, the control device 100 estimates the amount or concentration of gas X (e.g., an odorous gas) used to estimate the second evaluation from the calculated resistance value using a function (gas estimation function) that indicates the relationship between the resistance value and the amount or concentration of the gas X.

[0162] The control device 100 then estimates the second evaluation as second biological information using an evaluation estimation function that inputs the estimated amount or concentration of gas X and outputs a second evaluation. In FIG. 7, the control device 100 estimates a value (also called an "intestinal environment score") as indicated by a black circle in the time series data DT2 based on the defecation gas detection information as the second evaluation, based on the estimated amount or concentration of gas X. For example, the time series data DT2 is time series data from one month ago (1M ago) to the day of processing, and is information on the intestinal environment (second evaluation). The second evaluation may be calculated from multiple intestinal environment scores, which will be described later.

[0163] The control device 100 estimates at least one of the provided information or score related to the user's health based on the first evaluation and the second evaluation. In FIG. 7, both the intestinal score information INF1 related to the intestinal score or intestinal rank, which is an example of the score related to the user's health, and the recommended information INF2, which is an example of the provided information, are illustrated, but the control device 100 may estimate either one of them. For example, in FIG. 8, since both the first evaluation and the second evaluation are good, the control device 100 estimates that the intestinal score or the intestinal rank is high, as shown in the intestinal score information INF1. In FIG. 8, for the sake of explanation, a case is shown in which both the intestinal score of "90 points" and the intestinal rank of "A" are estimated as scores, but the control device 100 may estimate only one of the 90 points and the A grade depending on the aspect of the score. In addition, when the intestinal score and the intestinal rank are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the intestinal score.

[0164] Furthermore, when the second evaluation of the first evaluation and the second evaluation is getting worse, the control device 100 estimates, as the provided information, information indicating the deterioration of the intestinal environment as shown in the recommendation information INF2. Furthermore, the control device 100 estimates, as the provided information, information indicating a recommended action for dealing with the deterioration of the intestinal environment.

[0165] In this way, the biological information measuring system 1 can estimate the health condition of the user's intestines based on information on both peristalsis and the intestinal environment, thereby making it possible to appropriately estimate the health condition of the user. In other words, the biological information measuring system 1 can estimate the health condition of the user's intestines based on information on both the movement of the intestines themselves and the balance of intestinal bacteria living in the intestines.

[0166] In the above example, the biological information measuring system 1 estimates the properties of the stool based on detection by the line sensor, and estimates the intestinal environment based on detection by the gas sensor. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 can visualize the state of the intestines from the peristaltic movement and the intestinal environment by sensing the shape, amount, color, and defecation gas (farts, etc.), and can inform the state of the intestines, which is related to the state of the mind and body, by understanding the state of the intestines. In this way, the biological information measuring system 1 can estimate and inform the daily state and changes of the intestines from the stool and defecation gas, and can provide awareness of improvements in lifestyle behavior.

[0167] In the above example, the biological information measurement system 1 can estimate the state and changes of the user's entire intestines from the user's daily excretory behavior, and provide the user with information based on the estimation result. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 can display information on the estimated stool properties (color, shape, amount) regarding peristalsis. The biological information measurement system 1 displays first biological information indicating the stool properties on the user's display device 300. In FIG. 7, the biological information measurement system 1 displays the first biological information DT1 on the user's display device 300. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 displays information indicating the estimated stool properties, as shown in the first biological information DT1, on the user's display device 300.

[0168] With regard to the intestinal environment, the biological information measuring system 1 can obtain the composition of fecal gas using a gas sensor and display the change over time. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 displays second biological information such as a second evaluation on the user's display device 300. In FIG. 7, the biological information measuring system 1 displays time-series data DT2 on the user's display device 300. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 displays information on an estimated intestinal environment score as shown in the time-series data DT2 on the user's display device 300.

[0169] 7, the biological information measuring system 1 displays a score such as intestinal score information INF1 or provided information such as recommended information INF2 on the user's display device 300. This allows the biological information measuring system 1 to perform a combined display of peristalsis and intestinal environment. In this way, the biological information measuring system 1 can appropriately estimate and display information related to the user's health by estimating and displaying information related to the user's health from information on both stool properties and defecation gas.

[0170] <1-6-2. Estimation example> The provided information or score related to the user's health shown in Fig. 7 is merely an example, and the biological information measurement system 1 may estimate the provided information or score by appropriately using various information. In this regard, several examples will be described below. Note that the description of the same points as those described in Fig. 7 etc. will be omitted as appropriate.

[0171] <1-6-2-1. Evaluation and estimation example> First, an example of the estimation of the evaluation by the bioinformation measurement system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. For example, the bioinformation measurement system 1 may execute the estimation process by increasing the number of samples used to estimate the second evaluation compared to the number of samples used to estimate the first evaluation. For example, the bioinformation measurement system 1 may use data obtained from multiple toilet use to estimate the second evaluation. For example, the data used to estimate the first evaluation may be data obtained from one toilet use, and the data used to estimate the second evaluation may be data obtained from multiple toilet use. For example, the number of toilet uses referred to here may be the number of times the user uses the toilet room R, with one use being from when the user enters the toilet room R to when the user leaves the room. In this case, when multiple pieces of information are obtained from one toilet use, the average or representative value may be used as the information for that one toilet use. For example, when the amount or concentration of gas is detected twice in one toilet use, the bioinformation measurement system 1 may use the average of the amount or concentration of gas detected twice as the amount or concentration of gas in one toilet use. Any information can be used as the number of times the toilet is used, and may be, for example, the number of times the user has had a bowel movement.

[0172] For example, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates the second evaluation based on a plurality of data, as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second evaluation based on a plurality of data. The points PT indicated by white circles in the time series data DT21 in FIG. 9 indicate the intestinal environment scores corresponding to each toilet use, and the calculated values ​​CV indicated by black circles indicate the second evaluation calculated using information on the plurality of points PT. In FIG. 9, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates the calculated value CV, which is information calculated using a plurality of data such as a moving average, as the second evaluation, as shown in the time series data DT21. The curve in the time series data DT21 in FIG. 9 indicates the time series change of the second evaluation calculated using a plurality of data such as a moving average.

[0173] In this way, the biological information measuring system 1 estimates the second evaluation regarding the intestinal environment based on a plurality of detection results, thereby making it possible to appropriately estimate the second evaluation regarding the intestinal environment.

[0174] Next, the estimation of the first evaluation will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the estimation of the first evaluation according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates that the middle (median) stage of the stool property is the best among 7 stages, and estimates the first evaluation so that the further away from the center, the lower the evaluation. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates that the closer to the median the estimation result based on the stool property is, the better the first evaluation is. The biological information measurement system 1 estimates (determines) that the stool property is the better the middle stage. For example, when the stool property is banana, which is the middle stage among 7 stages, the control device 100 estimates the first evaluation to be the highest. For example, when the first evaluation is an evaluation of 0 to 100 points, the control device 100 may estimate that the first evaluation is 100 points when the stool property is banana. In addition, when the first evaluation is 7 ranks (stages) from S to A to F, with S being the best evaluation and the evaluations getting worse from A to F, the control device 100 may estimate that the first evaluation is S when the stool property is banana. As described above, the classification and evaluation based on the Bristol scale are only an example, and any classification such as "hard", "ideal", and "soft" can be adopted, and any mode of resolution (number of classifications) and notation can be adopted. In addition, as described above, it is not limited to the case where the center corresponds to the best state and the extreme stages correspond to the worst state, and any correspondence may be used as long as the corresponding evaluations are associated with each classification, and the median does not have to correspond to the highest evaluation.

[0175] Next, the estimation of the second evaluation will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the estimation of the second evaluation according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates the second evaluation higher as the value estimated based on the defecation gas, such as the intestinal environment score, increases. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates that the second evaluation is better as the value indicated by the estimation result based on the defecation gas increases. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates (determines) that the higher the score of the information based on the defecation gas (odor information) is, the better it is.

[0176] <1-6-2-2. Example of information output> The biological information measuring system 1 outputs information according to the result of the estimation process. For example, when the information (evaluation, etc.) on the properties of the user's excrement (feces) is poor, the biological information measuring system 1 may provide the user with advice on stress and sleep. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 may generate information to be provided including content such as "Your peristalsis is getting worse. Please get a good night's sleep" and provide the generated information to the user.

[0177] Furthermore, when the odor information of the user's defecation gas is bad, the biological information measurement system 1 may provide the user with advice regarding diet. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 may generate information to be provided including a content such as "Your intestinal environment is getting worse. Eat yogurt" and provide the generated information to the user.

[0178] For example, when the biological information measuring system 1 acquires information about a user as shown in FIG. 12, such as time series data DT12 of stool properties and time series data DT22 of intestinal environment score, it generates information to be provided INF22 based on the time series data DT12 and the time series data DT22. Then, the biological information measuring system 1 displays the generated information to be provided INF22 on the display device 300 of the target user. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of estimation of information to be provided according to an embodiment. For example, the time series data DT12 and the time series data DT22 are time series data from one month ago (1M ago) to the day of processing.

[0179] 12, as the intestinal environment score is decreasing as shown in the time series data DT12 and the time series data DT22, the biological information measurement system 1 generates provided information INF22 including content such as "Your intestinal environment is deteriorating. Take healthy actions," and provides the generated provided information INF22 to the user. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 compares two pieces of information on changes over time, namely, information on changes over time in the properties of excrement as shown in the time series data DT12, and information on changes over time in odor as shown in the time series data DT22, generates information to be provided by giving priority to advice related to the information showing a greater tendency to deteriorate, and displays the generated provided information.

[0180] <1-6-2-3. Examples of provided information and score estimation> From here, an example of estimating the provided information or score by the biological information measuring system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate the score according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate the provided information according to the embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate the provided information according to the embodiment.

[0181] The estimation table MT1 shown in Fig. 13 is a list of estimated intestinal ranks based on a combination of the classification shown in the "feces properties" item and the intestinal environment ranks A to D based on the intestinal environment score shown in the "odor" item. The "feces properties" item corresponds to an estimation based on the detection result (feces detection) by the first detection unit 21. The "odor" item corresponds to an estimation based on the detection result (defecation gas detection) by the second detection unit 22.

[0182] FIG. 13 shows seven intestinal ranks (stages) from S and A to F, with S being the best intestinal condition, A being the next best after S, and F being the worst intestinal condition. Note that the health score is not limited to the intestinal rank, and any information (e.g., a numerical value (score) such as 0 to 100 points) can be used. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 may output the intestinal score by adding up information on the properties of stool (evaluation, etc.) and odor information.

[0183] In FIG. 13, the "Odor" item includes four levels of intestinal environment ranks, A to D. For example, the intestinal environment rank is expressed as a four-level evaluation, with A being the best and D being the worst. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 may estimate the four levels of intestinal environment rank by converting the estimated intestinal environment score. In this case, for example, the biological information measuring system 1 may estimate the intestinal environment rank as A when the intestinal environment score is 75 points or more.

[0184] Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 estimates that if the intestinal environment score is between 50 and 75 points, the intestinal environment rank is B, if the intestinal environment score is between 25 and 50 points, the intestinal environment rank is C, and if the intestinal environment score is less than 25 points, the intestinal environment rank is D. Note that the intestinal environment ranks shown in Figure 13 are merely examples, and any information (e.g., intestinal environment score, second evaluation, etc.) can be used for the "odor" item.

[0185] In FIG. 13, the item "feces characteristics" includes four taxonomic groups: the first taxonomic group of "banana," the second taxonomic group of "cracked" and "soft," the third taxonomic group of "hard" and "muddy," and the fourth taxonomic group of "hard" and "watery." Note that the taxonomic groups shown in FIG. 13 are merely an example, and any combination of taxonomic groups can be used. Also, any information (e.g., first evaluation, etc.) can be used for the item "feces characteristics."

[0186] 13, the biological information measuring system 1 estimates the intestinal rank of a user as a score using the intestinal environment rank of the user, the classification of the stool property, and the estimation table MT1. For example, if the intestinal environment rank of a user is A and the property of the stool is banana, the biological information measuring system 1 estimates the intestinal rank of the user to be S based on the corresponding elements in the estimation table MT1.

[0187] The estimation table MT2 shown in Fig. 14 is a list of provided information based on a combination of two categories, good and bad, shown in the "feces properties" section and two categories, good and bad, shown in the "odor" section. Fig. 14 shows four pieces of provided information corresponding to the number of combinations of the two categories of "feces properties" and the two categories of "odor". Note that the provided information shown in Fig. 14 is merely an example, and each piece of provided information may include any content corresponding to the state of the stool properties or the state of the odor.

[0188] In Fig. 14, the item "smell" has two categories, "good" and "bad." Note that the "smell" categories shown in Fig. 14 are merely examples, and any combination of categories can be adopted.

[0189] For example, when the second evaluation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the odor as "good" as shown in FIG. 14, and when the second evaluation is less than the predetermined value, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the odor as "good" or "bad" as shown in FIG. 14 using various information. For example, when the intestinal environment score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the biological information measuring system 1 may classify the odor as "good" as shown in FIG. 14, and when the intestinal environment score is less than the predetermined value, the biological information measuring system 1 may classify the odor as "bad" as shown in FIG. 14.

[0190] In Fig. 14, the item "feces properties" has two categories, "good" and "bad." Note that the categories of "feces properties" shown in Fig. 14 are merely examples, and any combination of categories can be used.

[0191] For example, when the first evaluation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the first evaluation as "good" as shown in FIG. 14, and when the first evaluation is less than the predetermined value, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the first evaluation as "bad" as shown in FIG. 14. Note that the above classification process is merely an example, and the biological information measuring system 1 may use various information to classify the stool property as either "good" or "bad" as shown in FIG. 14. For example, when the stool property is "banana," the biological information measuring system 1 may classify the stool property as "good" as shown in FIG. 14, and when the stool property is other than "banana," the biological information measuring system 1 may classify the stool property as "bad" as shown in FIG. 14.

[0192] 14, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates information to be provided to a user using the odor classification, stool property classification, and estimation table MT2. For example, if the "odor" item for a user is "bad" and the "feces property" item is "bad," the biological information measurement system 1 estimates, based on the corresponding elements in estimation table MT2, that information to be provided to the user, "Your intestines tend to be in a very bad state. Why don't you start by reviewing your diet?", is appropriate information to be provided to the user.

[0193] The estimation table MT3 shown in Fig. 15 is a list of provided information based on combinations of the three categories shown in the "feces properties" section and the three categories shown in the "odor" section. Fig. 15 shows nine pieces of provided information corresponding to the number of combinations of the three categories of "feces properties" and the three categories of "odor." Note that the provided information shown in Fig. 15 is merely an example, and each piece of provided information may include any content corresponding to the state of the stool properties or the state of the odor.

[0194] In Fig. 15, the item "smell" has three categories: "good", "average", and "bad". Note that the "smell" categories shown in Fig. 15 are merely examples, and any combination of categories can be adopted.

[0195] For example, when the second evaluation is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the result as "good" as shown in FIG. 15; when the second evaluation is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than the second threshold, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the result as "average" as shown in FIG. 15; and when the second evaluation is less than the second threshold, the biological information measuring system 1 classifies the result as "bad" as shown in FIG. 15. The first threshold may be any value, and the second threshold may be any value less than the first threshold. Note that the biological information measuring system 1 may classify the "odor" item into one of three categories, "good," "average," or "bad," using the intestinal environment score.

[0196] In Figure 15, the item "feces characteristics" includes three taxonomic groups: the first taxonomic group of "muddy" and "watery," the second taxonomic group of "cracked," "banana," and "soft," and the third taxonomic group of "hard" and "hard." Note that the taxonomic groups shown in Figure 15 are merely examples, and any combination of taxonomic groups can be used.

[0197] 15, the bioinformation measurement system 1 estimates information to be provided to a user using the odor classification, stool property classification, and estimation table MT3. For example, if the "odor" category for a user is "normal" and the "stool property" category is the third classification group of "hard" and "hard," the bioinformation measurement system 1 estimates that information such as "Start exercising twice a week" is suitable as information to be provided to the user, based on the corresponding elements in the estimation table MT3.

[0198] <1-6-3. Information provision example> From here, assuming the above-mentioned processing, an example of information provided to a user by the biological information measuring system 1 will be described. For example, the biological information measuring system 1 generates various pieces of information shown below, and displays the generated information on a display device 300 used by the corresponding user. For example, a health management application (also called a "intestinal activity app") for displaying information related to the user's health is installed on the display device 300 used by the user, and various pieces of information related to the user's health are displayed by the intestinal activity app.

[0199] In addition, if the display device 300 is capable of displaying information related to the health of the user, the display device 300 may display information related to the health of the user by an application other than the intestinal activity application. In the following, a case where the user of the display device 300 that displays information is a user U will be described as an example.

[0200] First, an example of information related to the basic functions of an intestinal activity app provided by the biological information measuring system 1 and displayed by the display device 300 will be shown with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the biological information measuring system.

[0201] The content CT1 in Fig. 16 corresponds to, for example, a home screen of an intestinal activity app displayed by the display device 300. The content CT1 includes a display area AR1 that displays various information. In Fig. 16, intestinal condition information IM1 including the intestinal rank at the time of display, a schematic diagram of a person, and an illustration of the intestine corresponding to the intestinal rank at the time of display is displayed in the display area AR1. Fig. 16 shows a case where the intestinal rank of the user U at the time of display is A.

[0202] Content CT1 includes a button IC1 labeled "Recommended information for you." Content CT1 also includes a button IC2 labeled "What is intestinal rank?" Content CT1 includes a button IC3 labeled "Intestinal movement." Content CT1 includes a button IC4 labeled "Intestinal environment." Content CT1 includes a button IC5 labeled "Intestinal activity diary." Content CT1 includes a button IC6 labeled with information about user U's family. Examples of information displayed when buttons IC1 to IC6 are selected (specified) will be described later.

[0203] For example, when a button IC3 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT2 shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the biological information measurement system.

[0204] 17 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to intestinal movement displayed by the display device 300. The content CT2 includes characteristic information FT1 to FT3 indicating information related to the stool of the user U at the time of display. Note that, although FIG. 17 shows a case in which the characteristic information FT1 to FT3 are text information, the characteristic information FT1 to FT3 may be displayed in any manner, such as an icon, as long as it can indicate the corresponding information.

[0205] For example, characteristic information FT1 indicates the amount of stool of user U at the time of display, and in FIG. 17 indicates that the amount of stool is large. For example, characteristic information FT2 indicates the color of user U's stool at the time of display, and in FIG. 17 indicates that the color of the stool is brown. For example, characteristic information FT3 indicates the nature of user U's stool at the time of display, and in FIG. 17 indicates that the nature of the stool is normal (banana, etc.). FIG. 17 shows a case where the nature of the stool is displayed as one of three things: soft, normal, or hard, but the nature of the stool may also be displayed as the contents of the Bristol scale, such as banana, hard, etc.

[0206] The content CT2 includes a button IC11 labeled "Calendar display." For example, when the button IC11 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays a calendar related to the measurement results of intestinal movement (e.g., stool properties, etc.).

[0207] The content CT2 includes a button IC12 labeled "Today's Short Commentary Peristaltic Movement Version." For example, when the button IC12 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays today's short commentary on peristaltic movement.

[0208] The content CT2 includes a button IC13 labeled "Related Column." For example, when the button IC13 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays a related column about intestinal movement (e.g., stool properties, etc.).

[0209] The content CT2 includes a button IC14 labeled "Score." For example, when the button IC14 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information about a score (e.g., a first evaluation) regarding bowel movement.

[0210] For example, when a button IC4 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT3 shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the biological information measurement system.

[0211] 18 corresponds to, for example, a screen relating to the intestinal environment displayed by the display device 300. The content CT3 includes time-series data showing the transition of the intestinal environment index indicating the intestinal environment of the user U up to the time of display, and provided information based on the transition. Note that in FIG. 18, the intestinal environment index may be any index such as an intestinal environment score or an intestinal environment rank.

[0212] The content CT3 includes a button IC21 labeled "Today's Short Commentary: Intestinal Environment Version." For example, when the button IC21 in the content CT3 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays today's short commentary on the intestinal environment.

[0213] The content CT3 includes a button IC22 labeled "Related Column." For example, when the button IC22 in the content CT3 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays a related column about the intestinal environment.

[0214] The content CT3 includes a button IC23 labeled "Explanation of intestinal environment index." For example, when the button IC23 in the content CT3 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays an explanation of the intestinal environment index displayed in the content CT3.

[0215] Moreover, the information displayed in the display area AR1 is not limited to the information shown in Fig. 16, and may be any information. In this regard, examples will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 are diagrams showing an example of information according to an estimation result.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 19, the display device 300 may display in the display area AR1 the provided information "Good condition!" suggesting the maintenance of the current state, and the intestinal condition information IM2 including a schematic diagram of a person and an illustration of the intestines corresponding to the intestinal rank at the time of display. In this case, the display device 300 displays the intestinal condition information IM2 in place of the intestinal condition information IM1 in the display area AR1 in the content CT1 shown in FIG. 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, the display device 300 may display in the display area AR1 the provided information "Getting better!" suggesting the maintenance of the current state because the state is improving, and the intestinal condition information IM3 including an illustration of the intestines showing the change in the intestinal condition. In this case, the display device 300 displays the intestinal condition information IM3 in place of the intestinal condition information IM1 in the display area AR1 in the content CT1 shown in FIG. 16.

[0217] In this way, the display device 300 displays any information in the display area AR1. For example, the display device 300 displays information indicating the overall intestinal condition, such as a score or a ranking, a good or bad judgment, and changes from the past, in the display area AR1. In this way, the display device 300 may display a score or a ranking as an index representing the intestinal condition. In addition to the above information, the display device 300 may also display a graph of the above-mentioned trend of change over time.

[0218] For example, when a button IC5 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT4 shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of information related to the user's intestinal activity.

[0219] 21 corresponds to, for example, a screen relating to intestinal activity displayed by the display device 300. The content CT4 includes calendar information of an intestinal activity diary showing the intestinal activity of the user U up to the time of display, and the like.

[0220] The content CT4 includes a button IC31 labeled "Intestinal health related column." For example, when the button IC31 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays the intestinal health related column.

[0221] The content CT4 includes a button IC32 labeled "Everyone's Intestinal Activity." For example, when the button IC32 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information about the intestinal activity of users other than the user U, and an example of this will be described later.

[0222] The content CT4 includes a button IC33 labeled "Looking back on past intestinal activity." For example, when the button IC33 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays the history information of the intestinal activity of the user U, etc.

[0223] For example, when a button IC1 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT5 shown in Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for a user. Fig. 22 shows an example of the display when the intestinal condition of a user U is poor (for example, intestinal rank D, etc.).

[0224] 22 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to provided information such as recommended information displayed by the display device 300. The content CT5 includes provided information corresponding to the intestinal condition of the user U up to the time of display. The content CT5 includes provided information INF5 including suggestions for improving eating habits such as "Your condition has worsened compared to the past" and "Your intestinal environment indicators tend to be worsening. Is your eating habits out of whack?"

[0225] The content CT5 includes a button IC41 labeled "recommended information." For example, when the button IC41 in the content CT5 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays various information such as the content CT6 shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for a user.

[0226] 23 corresponds to a screen related to provided information such as recommended information displayed by the display device 300. The content CT6 includes provided information INF6 including suggestions of foods to be ingested such as "It is said that the intestinal environment is affected by diet. Water-soluble dietary fiber is said to be good!" The content CT6 also includes information such as related sites, videos, and recommended products that may lead to improved diet.

[0227] For example, when a button IC32 in content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT7 shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of information about other users provided to a user.

[0228] 24 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to information of other users displayed by the display device 300. The content CT7 includes information related to intestinal activity of other users who have similar attributes such as age, sex, physique, and lifestyle to the user U. In Fig. 24, the content CT7 includes information related to intestinal activity recorded in an intestinal activity app by other users in their 30s who have similar attributes to the user U who is in his 30s, and information related to intestinal activity posted on a social networking service (SNS).

[0229] In addition, other users similar to user U may be users with similar attributes and evaluations such as intestinal scores. For example, if user U has a intestinal score of B, other users similar to user U may be users with a intestinal score of B. In this way, the display device 300 displays intestinal activity methods of people with similar attributes and intestinal scores. For example, the bioinformation measurement system 1 may acquire records in intestinal activity apps of other people or information on SNS linked to attributes or intestinal scores associated with information identifying the user (ID, etc.), and use this as information regarding the intestinal activity of other users similar to user U.

[0230] Content CT8 in Fig. 25 corresponds to a screen when a specific date is selected from the calendar of the intestinal activity diary included in content CT4, for example. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of information provided to a user. Content CT8 includes calendar information of the intestinal activity diary showing the intestinal activity of user U up to the time of display, and an intestinal score and an icon corresponding to the selected date, etc.

[0231] For example, the display device 300 may prompt the user U to manually input bodily sensation information or select an icon. In FIG. 25, the display device 300 may prompt the user U to select an overall evaluation of A to E based on his / her bodily sensation (subjectivity). The display device 300 may also display icons related to subjectivity based on the user U's bodily sensation (subjectivity) to prompt the user U to select from these icons. The biological information measurement system 1 may then use the bodily sensation information acquired by the user's selection to reevaluate or correct the score of the user U, or set a score value that the user U should aim for, etc.

[0232] The display device 300 may also prompt the user U to manually input or select an icon for each of the multiple items. In FIG. 25, the display device 300 may prompt the user U to select from the icons by displaying icons for each item such as diet, lifestyle, and exercise. In addition, the display device 300 may acquire information by linking with other applications in a smartphone or a smartwatch. In this way, the bioinformation measurement system 1 collects information for determining whether to exclude intestinal activity information and outliers in the measured values ​​(outliers, etc.). The bioinformation measurement system 1 may manage the information acquired by the user's selection by linking it to the estimated results as information indicating intestinal activity events and conditions. The bioinformation measurement system 1 may also execute a process of excluding outliers based on the information acquired from the user.

[0233] The display device 300 may provide information according to changes in the intestinal condition of the user. In Fig. 26, the display device 300 displays content CT9 including provided information according to changes in the score (intestinal score), diet, and exercise of the user U, and a button IC91 for encouraging the purchase of a product corresponding to the provided information. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for the user.

[0234] 26, the biological information measurement system 1 estimates that XX yogurt is suitable for the user U because the user U's score is good when the user consumes XX yogurt. Therefore, the biological information measurement system 1 generates content CT9 including provided information suggesting that XX yogurt is suitable for the user U and a button IC91 for purchasing the XX yogurt, and displays the content CT9 on the display device 300.

[0235] When a button IC91 in the content CT9 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as an EC (electronic commerce) site selling XX yogurt. In this way, when the score starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 displays information suggesting products related to intestinal activity tools that have been effective in the past.

[0236] When the button IC32 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 may display information other than the content CT7 shown in Fig. 24. For example, when the button IC32 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 may display information such as the content CT10 shown in Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of information of other users provided to a user.

[0237] The content CT10 in Fig. 27 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to information of other users displayed by the display device 300. The content CT10 includes information related to intestinal activity of other users similar to the user U. In Fig. 27, the content CT10 includes information related to the intestinal activity records of other users in their 30s who have similar attributes to the user U who is in his 30s.

[0238] For example, the display device 300 outputs a group of information linked to attributes and intestinal scores associated with information (such as IDs) that identifies other users similar to user U. For example, the display device 300 displays content CT10 including intestinal activity records indicating the intestinal activity content and period of each of the other users, and information such as fluctuations in the intestinal score during the intestinal activity period. In this way, the display device 300 allows the user to view information linked to the intestinal activity events and results of other users (people).

[0239] For example, when a button IC6 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT11 shown in Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of information on users having relationships with the user. Fig. 28 shows an example of a display in which the family of user U consists of four people: user U (me), spouse (father), and two children (child A and son B). For example, the biometric information measurement system 1 manages, for each user, information (ID, etc.) identifying users having a relationship with that user in association with the information (ID, etc.) identifying that user, thereby making it possible to identify users having a relationship with each user.

[0240] The content CT11 in FIG. 28 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to a list display of users having a relationship with the user displayed by the display device 300. The content CT11 includes the four ranks of each of the family members of the user U up to the time of display. The content CT11 includes a button IC101 with the rank B for the spouse (father) and the label "→See more". The content CT11 also includes a button IC102 with the rank A for the user U (me). The content CT11 also includes a button IC103 with the rank B for the child (child A) and the label "→See more". The content CT11 also includes a button IC104 with the rank C for the child (boy B) and the label "→See more".

[0241] When a "View in detail" button corresponding to a user is selected, the display device 300 transitions the display to display information showing the results for that individual user. For example, when the button IC101 is selected, the display device 300 displays information showing the individual estimation results for the spouse (father). For example, the display device 300 switches the information displayed in the display area AR1 from information about the user U (me) to information about the spouse (father).

[0242] In this way, the biometric information measurement system 1 can display the results of others by ID linkage. When a certain condition such as ID linkage is satisfied, the biometric information measurement system 1 transmits data to a third party. Note that, in the above example, a family member is described as an example of a user having a relationship with the user, but a user having a relationship with the user is not limited to a family member, and may be a user who belongs to a common institution such as a hospital or gym, or a person who supports the user's health management, such as a doctor or a gym trainer.

[0243] For example, when a button IC2 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT12 shown in Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing an example of rank information related to a user.

[0244] The content CT12 in FIG. 29 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to intestinal activity displayed by the display device 300. The content CT12 includes rank information based on the intestinal rank of the user U at the time of display. In FIG. 29, the content CT12 includes information on the distribution of intestinal ranks in a group of users in their thirties who have attributes similar to the user U who is in his thirties. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 extracts information on users in their thirties from the information on users it manages, generates information indicating the distribution of intestinal ranks in a group of users in their thirties based on the extracted information, and generates the content CT12 by adding information indicating the rank to which the user U corresponds to the generated information indicating the distribution. In FIG. 29, the display device 300 displays the content CT12 indicating that the intestinal rank of the user U is C, and that the intestinal rank C is average for a group of users in their thirties. In this way, the display device 300 enables the user to compare the evaluation of ranks, etc. between the user and other users (people) who are similar (in attributes, etc.). In addition, CT12 may be a rank evaluation regarding a score related to intestinal movement (for example, a first evaluation, etc.) or a rank evaluation regarding an intestinal environment index.

[0245] Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 may notify the user at a predetermined timing. The biological information measuring system 1 may display any information in a display area AR11 of the display device 300 shown in Fig. 30. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of information notification to the user.

[0246] For example, when the score of the user (the user himself) using the display device 300 starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 displays the content CT13 including information such as "Caution! Your intestinal rank is dropping!" in the display area AR11. For example, when the intestinal rank of a user U starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 of the user U displays the content CT13 in the display area AR11. In this way, the display device 300 calls the attention of the user when his or her own score starts to deteriorate.

[0247] Furthermore, when the score of another person (another user) who has a relationship with the user (the user himself) using the display device 300 starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 displays content CT14 in the display area AR11, including information such as "Caution! Boy B's intestinal rank is dropping! Let's check it out." For example, when the intestinal rank of Boy B, who is the child of user U, starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 of user U displays content CT14 in the display area AR11. In this way, the display device 300 calls attention when the score of another person who has a relationship with the user starts to deteriorate.

[0248] Furthermore, the bioinformation measuring system 1 may notify the user according to the usage status of the user. This point will be described with reference to Figs. 31 and 32. Figs. 31 and 32 are diagrams showing an example of information notification according to the usage status of the user. For example, the bioinformation measuring system 1 may perform push notification based on the user's login history to an intestinal activity app. Furthermore, the bioinformation measuring system 1 may evaluate the user's interest in intestinal activity based on the number of times the user logs into the intestinal activity app or the frequency of inputting intestinal activity information.

[0249] For example, when a user is actively engaged in activities, the bioinformation measurement system 1 may evaluate the user as having a high level of interest in intestinal activity and notify the user of information praising the active activity. In FIG. 31, when a user logs into an intestinal activity app for 10 consecutive days, the bioinformation measurement system 1 notifies the user of information such as content CT15. For example, when a user U logs into an intestinal activity app for 10 consecutive days, the display device 300 of the user U displays the content CT15. For example, when the user U logs into the intestinal activity app on the 10th day, the display device 300 displays the content CT15 superimposed on the content CT1 (pop-up display).

[0250] For example, if a user does not log in to the intestinal activity app for a period of time (e.g., no login for one week), the biological information measurement system 1 may evaluate the user's interest in intestinal activity as low, and notify the user of information encouraging active activity. If the biological information measurement system 1 evaluates the user's interest in intestinal activity as low, it displays information encouraging the user to be active in the display area AR12 of the display device 300 shown in FIG.

[0251] For example, when a period during which a user using the display device 300 has not logged in to the intestinal activity app reaches a predetermined period (e.g., 7 days), the display device 300 displays content CT16 in the display area AR12, including information such as "You haven't logged in for xx days. Would you like to restart your intestinal activity?" For example, when a period during which a user U has not logged in to the intestinal activity app continues for xx days, the display device 300 of the user U displays content CT16 in the display area AR12. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 may provide notifications according to the user's level of interest in intestinal activity in order to maintain the user's motivation.

[0252] As described above, the biological information measurement system 1 can inform the user of desired information by providing various types of information. For example, when the condition of the intestines is poor, the biological information measurement system 1 can urge the user to improve the condition. The biological information measurement system 1 can satisfy the user's desire to know when the condition of health is deteriorating, and can motivate the user to reconsider their lifestyle by notifying them that their score has dropped.

[0253] Furthermore, when the condition of the intestines is good, the biological information measurement system 1 can encourage the user to maintain that condition. The biological information measurement system 1 can satisfy the user's desire to manage their health by linking it to their lifestyle habits, and can give the user a sense of security by informing them that their score is good. The biological information measurement system 1 can also satisfy the desires of users who want to use the system to help manage the health of their family members and patients, and can satisfy the desires of users who want to know the condition of their family members' stomachs and plan their menu, for example.

[0254] Furthermore, if the condition of the intestines shows a tendency to improve, the bioinformation measurement system 1 can encourage the user to improve the condition. The bioinformation measurement system 1 can satisfy the needs of users who want to find an intestinal activity that suits their body, or use the information as an indicator of the effectiveness of intestinal activity, and can recognize the effects of foods such as yogurt that the user has started to eat, and encourage the continued intake of the foods. Furthermore, the bioinformation measurement system 1 can motivate the user to work hard to achieve their goals as a tool for maintaining motivation for intestinal activity.

[0255] Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 may output an alert when the score falls below a predetermined level in comparison with past data. Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 may notify the completion of measurement when the first biological information, the second biological information, the provided information, or the score are all collected. Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 may preferentially output information with poor results, together with the reasons, from among the first biological information and the second biological information. Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 may update the recommended information or the score for each excretion act. Furthermore, the biological information measuring system 1 detects the properties of the stool with an image sensor, and detects defecation gas with a gas sensor.

[0256] In addition, the bioinformation measuring system 1 may detect, in addition to the characteristics of the stool, the user's subjective information such as the amount, color, density, and degree of relief after defecation as information related to intestinal peristalsis, and may detect, in addition to defecation gas, the user's subjective information regarding the color and odor of the stool as information related to the intestinal environment.

[0257] The biological information measuring system 1 generates various contents as described above and provides the generated contents to a user. For example, the control device 100 of the biological information measuring system 1 generates various information such as contents CT1 to CT16. Then, the control device 100 transmits the generated various information such as contents CT1 to CT16 to the display device 300 of the user. The display device 300 receives the various information such as contents CT1 to CT16 and displays the received various information such as contents CT1 to CT16.

[0258] In this case, for example, the processing unit 132 of the control device 100 functions as a generating unit that performs a generating process of various kinds of information. The processing unit 132 generates various kinds of information such as contents to be displayed on the display device 300. The processing unit 132 generates screens (contents) shown in Figs. 16 to 32. For example, the processing unit 132 generates contents (image information) to be provided to the display device 300 by appropriately using various techniques related to image generation and image processing. For example, the processing unit 132 generates screens (image information) to be provided to the display device 300 by appropriately using various techniques such as Java (registered trademark). Note that the processing unit 132 may generate contents (image information) to be provided to the display device 300 based on the format of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Also, for example, the processing unit 132 may generate contents in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0259] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0260] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0261] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: A first detection unit that detects feces; A second detection unit that detects defecation gas; a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of provided information or a score related to the health of the user based on a detection result of the first detection unit and a detection result of the second detection unit, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising: (2) The control unit is estimating first biological information based on the properties of the stool from the detection result of the first detection unit; A second biological information based on the amount or concentration of the defecation gas is estimated from the detection result of the second detection unit; Execute control to output the first biological information and the second biological information. 3. A biological information measuring system according to claim 1. (3) The control unit is The estimation process is performed using a larger number of samples of the detection results of the second detection unit than the number of samples of the detection results of the first detection unit. A biological information measuring system according to (1) or (2). (4) The bioinformation measuring system described in (3) is characterized in that the estimation process uses the detection result of the first detection unit obtained from a single toilet use and multiple detection results of the second detection unit obtained from multiple toilet use respectively. (5) The control unit is The higher the first evaluation corresponding to each classification of the stool properties based on the detection result of the first detection unit, the higher the score is estimated to be; The estimation process estimates the score to be higher as the second evaluation based on the detection result of the second detection unit is higher. The biological information measuring system according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: A first detection unit that detects information regarding intestinal peristalsis; A second detection unit that detects information regarding the intestinal environment; a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of provided information or a score related to the health of the user based on a detection result of the first detection unit and a detection result of the second detection unit, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising: (7) A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or score related to the health of the user based on a detection result by a first detection unit that detects stool and a detection result by a second detection unit that detects defecation gas, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising: (8) A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or the score related to the health of the user based on a detection result by a first detection unit that detects information related to intestinal peristalsis and a detection result by a second detection unit that detects information related to the intestinal environment, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0262] 1. Biometric information measurement system 2 Toilet seat device 3 Main body 4. Measuring Equipment 5 Toilet Seat 6 Cleaning nozzle 7. Toilet 8 Bowl section 9 Toilet lid 10 Suction device 21 First detection unit (imaging device) 22 Second detection unit (gas detection device) 40 Gas Sensor 50 Light receiving part 100 Control device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Processing section 133 Output section R Toilet room

Claims

1. A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: A first detection unit that detects feces; A second detection unit that detects defecation gas; a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of provided information or a score related to the health of the user based on a detection result of the first detection unit and a detection result of the second detection unit, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising:

2. The control unit is estimating first biological information based on the properties of the stool from the detection result of the first detection unit; A second biological information based on the amount or concentration of the defecation gas is estimated from the detection result of the second detection unit; Execute control to output the first biological information and the second biological information.

2. The biological information measuring system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit is The estimation process is performed using a larger number of samples of the detection results of the second detection unit than the number of samples of the detection results of the first detection unit.

2. The biological information measuring system according to claim 1.

4. In the estimation process, a detection result of the first detection unit obtained in one toilet use and a plurality of detection results of the second detection unit obtained in a plurality of toilet use are used.

4. The biological information measuring system according to claim 3.

5. The control unit is The higher the first evaluation corresponding to each classification of the stool properties based on the detection result of the first detection unit, the higher the score is estimated to be; The estimation process is performed to estimate the score higher as the second evaluation based on the detection result of the second detection unit is higher.

5. The biological information measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the biological information measuring system comprises: a first detecting unit;

6. A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: A first detection unit that detects information regarding intestinal peristalsis; A second detection unit that detects information regarding the intestinal environment; a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of provided information or a score related to the health of the user based on a detection result of the first detection unit and a detection result of the second detection unit, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising:

7. A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or score related to the health of the user based on a detection result by a first detection unit that detects stool and a detection result by a second detection unit that detects defecation gas, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside device; A biological information measuring system comprising:

8. A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital signs of a user of a toilet room based on information of excrement discharged into a bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, comprising: a control unit that executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or the score related to the health of the user based on a detection result by a first detection unit that detects information related to intestinal peristalsis and a detection result by a second detection unit that detects information related to the intestinal environment, and executes control to output a result of the estimation process to an outside; A biological information measuring system comprising:

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